Biology Has More to Say about Sexuality than People Do
The most fundamental question of psychology is whether or not behaviors and characteristics are a result of our genetics or the conditions our body is put in after birth. This nature versus nurture debate is far from being settled and forms the foundation of most behavioral studies. A common behavior studied is homosexuality, defined as, “love, desire, and/or sexual acts between people of the same sex” (Roof).
The term homosexuality is derived from the Greek term “homos,” meaning “same” (Roof). Because the term is translated to “same sexuality,” it can be used to describe both male and females. However, in practice, the term “lesbian” is typically used in describing sexual relations between …show more content…
Some believe that procreation is vital to population progression, and relationships that do not foster such will lead to a declining birth rate. Thus, homosexuality serves as a deterrent to society (Sprigg). Pope Benedict went further to depict gay marriage as a threat, “to the future of humanity itself” (qtd. in Pappas). Understandably, the belief is that a surge in homosexuality will place the burden of replacing mankind solely on heterosexuals. Even if reproduction is not an issue, there is skepticism about whether a homosexual relationship is as genuine as a heterosexual relationship, and if it can be idolized as one. Studies Kurlek concluded that, “It is safe to conclude that gay and lesbian couples dissolve their relationships more frequently than heterosexual couples” (qtd. in Sprigg). Since homosexual and heterosexual relations serve two different societal functions and do not display similar levels of commitment, many vehemently oppose the recognition of homosexuality as an equal to …show more content…
Androgen insensitivity syndrome, or the condition in which the androgen receptors mutate and fail to cast normally with circulating testosterone, in male fetuses, has proven to make them appear as women and attracted to men (Krause). Finger length is caused by androgen levels a fetus is exposed to in the womb. Men typically have ring fingers that are longer than their pointer fingers while women the exact opposite. While this may seem a menial fact, studies on lesbian women have shown their fingers to correlate more with those of men, further proving the effects of androgen on sexuality
The most fundamental question of psychology is whether or not behaviors and characteristics are a result of our genetics or the conditions our body is put in after birth. This nature versus nurture debate is far from being settled and forms the foundation of most behavioral studies. A common behavior studied is homosexuality, defined as, “love, desire, and/or sexual acts between people of the same sex” (Roof).
The term homosexuality is derived from the Greek term “homos,” meaning “same” (Roof). Because the term is translated to “same sexuality,” it can be used to describe both male and females. However, in practice, the term “lesbian” is typically used in describing sexual relations between …show more content…
Some believe that procreation is vital to population progression, and relationships that do not foster such will lead to a declining birth rate. Thus, homosexuality serves as a deterrent to society (Sprigg). Pope Benedict went further to depict gay marriage as a threat, “to the future of humanity itself” (qtd. in Pappas). Understandably, the belief is that a surge in homosexuality will place the burden of replacing mankind solely on heterosexuals. Even if reproduction is not an issue, there is skepticism about whether a homosexual relationship is as genuine as a heterosexual relationship, and if it can be idolized as one. Studies Kurlek concluded that, “It is safe to conclude that gay and lesbian couples dissolve their relationships more frequently than heterosexual couples” (qtd. in Sprigg). Since homosexual and heterosexual relations serve two different societal functions and do not display similar levels of commitment, many vehemently oppose the recognition of homosexuality as an equal to …show more content…
Androgen insensitivity syndrome, or the condition in which the androgen receptors mutate and fail to cast normally with circulating testosterone, in male fetuses, has proven to make them appear as women and attracted to men (Krause). Finger length is caused by androgen levels a fetus is exposed to in the womb. Men typically have ring fingers that are longer than their pointer fingers while women the exact opposite. While this may seem a menial fact, studies on lesbian women have shown their fingers to correlate more with those of men, further proving the effects of androgen on sexuality